Beer distributor group now opposes bill that brewers say will hurt business

In a reversal of sorts, the Beer Industry of Florida, a trade group representing primarily MillerCoors distributors, now opposes a bill in the Florida Senate that small brewers say would hurt their business.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The Beer Industry of Florida (BIF) does not support current proposals that would virtually eliminate retail privileges for brewers. Brewers and distributors are good partners and some craft brewers need limited retail privileges to build their businesses. Therefore, it's in distributors' interest that small brewers should have a well-defined, limited exception in the statute that allows them to operate as retailers, both on-premise and off-premise."

"The Beer Industry of Florida has supported the 64-ounce container, also known as the 'growler' for three years in a row, with no strings attached. The trade association, which consists of MillerCoors beer distributors from across the state, has also supported bills that would preserve Florida's state-based system of alcohol regulation, placing reasonable restrictions on brewers' ability to operate as retailers."

"BIF will work with policy makers and industry members to permit limited retail privileges and other innovations sought by craft brewers, such as the 64-ounce "growler" container. However, it will oppose vertical integration of the industry that allows an industry member to operate in all three tiers in an unrestricted manner."

Alan Shaw

Alan Shaw has been a fan of craft beer since the 1990s. He is partial to hops and has been an editor at the Herald-Tribune since 1997. He can be reached at (941) 361-4914, by email or mail at 1741 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236. Follow him at @alancshaw on Twitter and on Facebook.

Last modified: April 23, 2014
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